Blue Jackets’ Cam Atkinson Announces Retirement, Will End Career Where It Began

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Cam Atkinson, a fan favorite known for his scoring prowess and underdog story, will officially retire from the NHL on October 16th, signing a one-day contract to conclude his 13-season career with the team that drafted him.

Atkinson, 36, played 809 career games with the Blue Jackets, Philadelphia Flyers, and Tampa Bay Lightning, totaling 253 goals and 402 points. He overcame being a sixth-round draft pick (No. 157 overall in 2008) and concerns about his size (5’8”) to become one of the franchise’s all-time leading scorers; only Rick Nash has more goals and points in a Blue Jackets uniform. This retirement marks the end of an era for a player who consistently defied expectations throughout his career. “This is home,” Atkinson told The Athletic earlier this summer. “I played here for 10 years, and all three of my kids were born here.”

The Blue Jackets will honor Atkinson before their game against the Colorado Avalanche on October 16th at Nationwide Arena. While his playing days are ending, Atkinson’s connection to the organization will continue, as he is expected to join the Blue Jackets’ front office in a yet-to-be-determined role. He also remains a central Ohio resident and owner of Battery Hockey Academy, a youth development facility. Atkinson’s success story is particularly inspiring given that only 12 players drafted as late as he was have scored more than 250 goals in their NHL careers, according to Hockey-Reference.

Atkinson considered offers for training camp tryouts this offseason but ultimately decided to retire after realizing his passion for playing had diminished. He reflected on his final regular-season game, played at Madison Square Garden, as a symbolic ending to his career. “My last regular-season game…I deep-down knew that was it,” he said.

The team anticipates announcing details regarding Atkinson’s future role within the organization in the coming weeks.